Throwing a moon jar, a traditional Korean ceramic art form, is an art that combines craftsmanship, creativity, and patience. It's an ancient technique that has been passed down through generations, and with the right guidance, anyone can learn to throw a moon jar. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process, from preparing your workspace to the final glazing stage.
Moon jars, also known as 'Dongja' in Korean, are characterized by their white, porcelain bodies and unique, asymmetrical shapes. They are often associated with the moon due to their resemblance to the moon's surface. The art of throwing a moon jar is not just about creating a beautiful object, but also about understanding and appreciating the natural world and the process of creation.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Before you start, it's crucial to set up a workspace that's clean, well-lit, and comfortable. This will ensure that you can focus on your work and maintain a steady rhythm throughout the process.
Your workspace should include a pottery wheel, a supply of clay, various tools like a rib, a needle tool, and a wire tool, as well as a bucket of water for cleaning your tools and hands. You'll also need a kiln for firing the clay, which can be quite an investment, so consider joining a local pottery studio if you don't have access to one.
Choosing the Right Clay
Moon jars are typically made from porcelain clay due to its high fired shrinkage and white-firing properties. Porcelain is also known for its strength and durability, which is important for creating thin-walled vessels like moon jars.
When selecting your clay, make sure it's well-rolled and free of air bubbles. You can test this by cutting a small piece off and rolling it into a snake. If it's well-rolled, it should be smooth and even. If it's not, you may need to wedge it further to remove any trapped air.
Preparing the Clay
Once you've chosen your clay, it's time to prepare it for throwing. This involves wedging the clay to remove any air bubbles and ensure it's evenly mixed. To do this, cut your clay into smaller pieces and stack them on top of each other. Then, using a wire tool, cut through the stack, turning it 90 degrees each time until you've cut through all the pieces.
Next, use your hands to knead the clay, pushing it away from you with the heels of your hands, and then folding it back over itself. Repeat this process until the clay is smooth and even. You can also use a clay mixer for this step if you have one.
Throwing the Moon Jar
Now that your workspace is set up and your clay is prepared, it's time to start throwing your moon jar. The key to throwing a successful moon jar is to work slowly and deliberately, taking the time to shape each part of the vessel.
Start by centering a ball of clay on your wheel. Using your hands, shape the clay into a tall, cylindrical form. This will be the body of your moon jar. Remember, the walls of your jar should be thin and even, so take your time to ensure they're well-shaped.
Shaping the Body
Once you've shaped the body of your jar, it's time to start shaping the shoulders and the rim. To do this, use your rib tool to compress the clay and create a smooth, even surface. You can also use your hands to shape the clay, but be careful not to leave fingerprints in the clay.
When shaping the rim, remember that moon jars typically have a wide, flat rim. To create this, use your wire tool to cut the excess clay from the top of your jar, and then use your hands to shape the rim into a flat, even surface.
Creating the Asymmetrical Shape
One of the defining features of a moon jar is its asymmetrical shape. To create this, use your rib tool to compress one side of the jar, creating a flat surface. Then, use your hands to shape the other side of the jar, creating a rounded, asymmetrical form.
Remember, the key to creating a successful asymmetrical shape is to work slowly and deliberately. Don't try to rush this step, as it's one of the most important aspects of throwing a moon jar.
Trimming and Finishing
Once you've shaped your moon jar, it's time to start the trimming process. This involves removing the excess clay from the bottom of your jar and creating a smooth, even surface.
To do this, use your wire tool to cut the excess clay from the bottom of your jar. Then, use your rib tool to compress the clay and create a smooth, even surface. Remember, the bottom of your jar should be flat and even, so take your time to ensure it's well-shaped.
Adding the Glaze
After trimming, it's time to add the glaze. Moon jars are typically glazed with a clear, white glaze that highlights the natural beauty of the porcelain. To apply the glaze, dip your brush into the glaze and then tap it gently on the side of the jar to remove any excess.
Start by glazing the inside of the jar, using a brush to coat the entire surface evenly. Then, glaze the outside of the jar, taking care to avoid getting glaze on the bottom. Remember, the glaze should be thin and even, so don't apply too much.
Firing the Jar
Once you've glazed your jar, it's time to fire it in the kiln. This is a crucial step in the process, as it's what gives the clay its final, durable form.
Before firing, make sure your jar is completely dry. You can test this by tapping it gently with your knuckle. If it sounds hollow, it's dry. If it sounds dull, it's still wet and needs more time to dry.
After firing, your moon jar is ready to be admired and used. The process of throwing a moon jar is a rewarding one, and with practice, you'll be able to create beautiful, unique vessels that reflect your own creativity and style.